Players score support during cost of living crisis
Young players at Tyler Hill Youth Football Club with dreams of being the next Ronaldo or Messi are celebrating a sports grant for new team kit.
The under-9s were awarded a £250 Team Sport Award by UK Power Networks, the company which keeps electricity supplies flowing across the South East.
Tom Neary, the squad’s assistant coach, works as an electricity linesperson and jointer at UK Power Networks and nominated the club where he helps as a volunteer.
Tom said: “We’re a small grassroots football club so all our costs are covered by fundraising and parents. We are delighted to receive this funding which will go towards new kit and training equipment to help the players.
“The boys all want to be professional football players and aspire to be the next Ronaldo or Messi. They are football addicts! They are always playing football. They love the game and seeing them reminds me of myself as a young football player.
“They absorb everything we teach them and it’s great when everything clicks. Repetition works and when they show us in a match situation something they have learnt in training it’s brilliant.
“Last season we were unbeaten. They are a successful team and a couple of our players have been scouted for West Ham, Millwall and Gillingham and are now playing at pro level academy football clubs. It’s a good club and I feel privileged to work there.”
Tom’s son, Jack, who is eight, plays for the team, which sparked his interest in coaching, deciding that it was time to give something back to the game he loves.
Tom credits the club’s founder, Alex Graham, for being the backbone and inspiration for the club, together with his son and club chairman, Will Graham.
Will said: “This amazing club has been in my family for over 50 years and in most recent years I have taken the hot seat from my Dad, who began the youth section of the club in 1993.
“I cannot state how important UK Power Networks gesture of financial support was for our club. During the pandemic and with the cost of living crisis, we have done our very best to keep costs at a minimum for our parents. This however has become almost impossible with the cost of hire, equipment and kit going up across the board.
“The help UK Power Networks provided gave us some financial support to help us pay for the above without thinking of the worst case scenario, should we have a run of home fixtures and the hire costs may be heavier that month.
“Tom Neary has been a breath of fresh air since his arrival into the club. He has shown incredible dedication to the club and the children he helps on a weekly basis.”
The under-9s train on Fridays at Simon Langton School and home matches are played at Tyler Hill recreation ground. For details visit tylerhillyouthfc.co.uk.
The Team Sport Award scheme encourages UK Power Networks staff to volunteer in the community and is aimed at promoting healthy living, teamwork and developing sporting opportunities. Hundreds of community and sports groups have benefited from grants since the scheme was set up. During 2022, 70 teams have benefited from a share in £17,500.
The under-9s were awarded a £250 Team Sport Award by UK Power Networks, the company which keeps electricity supplies flowing across the South East.
Tom Neary, the squad’s assistant coach, works as an electricity linesperson and jointer at UK Power Networks and nominated the club where he helps as a volunteer.
Tom said: “We’re a small grassroots football club so all our costs are covered by fundraising and parents. We are delighted to receive this funding which will go towards new kit and training equipment to help the players.
“The boys all want to be professional football players and aspire to be the next Ronaldo or Messi. They are football addicts! They are always playing football. They love the game and seeing them reminds me of myself as a young football player.
“They absorb everything we teach them and it’s great when everything clicks. Repetition works and when they show us in a match situation something they have learnt in training it’s brilliant.
“Last season we were unbeaten. They are a successful team and a couple of our players have been scouted for West Ham, Millwall and Gillingham and are now playing at pro level academy football clubs. It’s a good club and I feel privileged to work there.”
Tom’s son, Jack, who is eight, plays for the team, which sparked his interest in coaching, deciding that it was time to give something back to the game he loves.
Tom credits the club’s founder, Alex Graham, for being the backbone and inspiration for the club, together with his son and club chairman, Will Graham.
Will said: “This amazing club has been in my family for over 50 years and in most recent years I have taken the hot seat from my Dad, who began the youth section of the club in 1993.
“I cannot state how important UK Power Networks gesture of financial support was for our club. During the pandemic and with the cost of living crisis, we have done our very best to keep costs at a minimum for our parents. This however has become almost impossible with the cost of hire, equipment and kit going up across the board.
“The help UK Power Networks provided gave us some financial support to help us pay for the above without thinking of the worst case scenario, should we have a run of home fixtures and the hire costs may be heavier that month.
“Tom Neary has been a breath of fresh air since his arrival into the club. He has shown incredible dedication to the club and the children he helps on a weekly basis.”
The under-9s train on Fridays at Simon Langton School and home matches are played at Tyler Hill recreation ground. For details visit tylerhillyouthfc.co.uk.
The Team Sport Award scheme encourages UK Power Networks staff to volunteer in the community and is aimed at promoting healthy living, teamwork and developing sporting opportunities. Hundreds of community and sports groups have benefited from grants since the scheme was set up. During 2022, 70 teams have benefited from a share in £17,500.